INTERNATIONAL COMMANDO HERITAGE TRUST
Commando Heritage No.1 Tartan
The Commando Heritage No.1 Tartan was designed in-house by the ICHT team to reflect the history and traditions of the Commandos. It is registered at the Scottish Register of Tartans and is owned solely by the charity - International Commando Heritage Trust. The tartan was produced by Scotland's premier weavers at Lochcarron's Waverley Mill in Selkirk. This page will provide details of the availability of the material and the products derived from the various weights of cloth.
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The ICHT would like to acknowledge with grateful thanks, the generous support of The House Bruar for enabling the production of the first bale of kilt weight material.
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Introducing the ‘Commando Heritage No.1’ Tartan
Although several military units have adopted their own, no recognised tartan existed to bring together the origins and camaraderie of the Commandos and derived Special Forces f the UK & Allied Nations.
The Commando Heritage No.1 tartan draws upon those origins, traditions and legacies that combine to create and perpetuate the heritage of this warrior class, reflecting the history of Combined Operations.
This tartan is registered to the International Commando Heritage Trust. It may be worn by any serving or former member of a military unit, whom has completed UK or Allied Nations Commando or Special Forces training and whose unit can trace its antecedents to WW2 training in Scotland and the Commando Basic Training Centre at Achnacarry. It may also be worn/carried by immediate family members of those who would qualify as above. Supporters of the organisation may also be granted permission to wear this tartan with approval and written permission from the Secretary.
COMMANDO HERITAGE TARTAN DESIGN
The design of this tartan reflects the history of the Commandos and Special Forces of WW2 - which is inextricably linked to Combined Operations and the original Commando Basic Training Centre (CBTC) at Cameron of Locheil's Achnacarry estate in Lochaber, Scotland.
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The Sett is based upon that of the Cameron Highlander's, three battalions of which were raised by Locheil during WW1.
The Red and Gold of Clan Cameron are retained in modified form.
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ANCIENT GREEN - The principal colour that represents the coveted Green Beret of the WW2 Commandos.
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RED - Represents both the Army and the blood lost by generations of men and women engaged in special operations around the world in the fight against tyranny, defence of freedom and protection of democracy.
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DARK BLUE - Signifies the Royal Navy, which provided both a means of delivery to various operations and a considerable number of Commando training Beach Units. Also Royal Marines which formed Nos. 40 - 48 (RM) Commando units and provide the lead element of todays UK Commando Forces.
The small portions of the tartan where these two colours overlap represents the original Combined Operations badge of WW2.
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LIGHT BLUE - Indicates the Royal Air Force who provided a number of specialist Commandos and were very much part of Combined Operations.
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OLD GOLD - Is traditionally regarded as a symbol of quality and high-value and here represents the supreme and ongoing high standards of commando and special forces training.
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Considerably more symbolism may be found within the design; the colours of the original Salamander badge (green on yellow and red) of No.1 Commando; the unit lanyards of 45 RM and 43 RM Commandos; The Black Hackle of the No.11 Scottish Commando. Finally, it should be concluded that the inclusion of 'All Arms' and Specialisations within the weave symbolise not just the combined operations of UK forces but also the inclusion of our International allies, both then and now, who supported and were engaged in all operations.
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... "WE WILL REMEMBER THEM!"
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